Friday, March 31, 2017

Tonight we had the special honor of celebrating a precious baby girl turning 100 days old. We enjoyed the delicious Chinese food that was served and even more the conversations of friends. I'm glad we were a part of something so special and look forward to spending time with this sweet baby and her mother. God is good.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Due to various reasons, I was not able to attend service tonight. I did hang a time of prayer and read my Bible. I'm thankful for the moments when I choose to be still and listen. If I'm quiet enough on the inside, I can "hear" his volume be. He speaks peace and love into my heart, mind, body, soul and spirit. I'm thankful for his voice and am glad when I remember to be still. God is good.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

We like most of the world around us, have our technology gadgets. Tonight, Bob's iPad cracked. We have insurance on it and I went online to have a live chat with the insurance company. For all I know, they could have been anywhere in the world and we were conducting business. I did not hear a voice, it was typing only. Who knows, it could have been a computer, the way the world is going. I was having two live chats regarding this issue at the same time. It was very interesting and such a change from not too long ago. I remember when beepers were the rage and you never gave up your quarters because you needed to make a phone call at a nearby phone booth. Now, I can send a short communication instantly via text and reach pretty much anyone at any time without ever having to speak a word with my voice. Something special has been lost because of this. I remember enjoying the process of writing a letter to someone. People don't do that any more. The art of writing by hand is being lost as well as the excitement that comes with the wait for your reply to come in the mailbox. Don't get me wrong, it's great to have instant access and things are done at a much rapid pace. However, there is something to be said for the lesson learned on sitting down, formulating your thoughts and then writing it down. The process of placing it in an envelope and sending it in the mail. Technology has brought us some amazing things and it has also robbed us of the gift of anticipated waiting. I completed my dual tasks tonight in about 10 minutes. In this case, I am glad for it, but maybe I will sit down and write someone a letter...just for the fun of it. God is good.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

I know when it rains it can be a nuisance. Today for instance, it has rained all day. I'm thankful that it's rain and not snow. This means, Srping is finally breaking forth. I look forward to life bursting forth. Rain, I welcome you, for with it you bring the promise of warmer days filled with rainbows. God is good.

Monday, March 27, 2017

I want to give thanks to the Lord for his mercy and grace. Amalia is being discharged from the hospital today. Her body has accepted the liver, she is cancer free and tumor free. Needless to say, we are ecstatic about this. She is and has always been in God's hands. We know things could change over night. For now, we choose to be thankful for the life she has been given. Thank you for your prayers. God is good.

Sunday, March 26, 2017

It was good to be back home in Bethel today. One of my all time favorite preachers, preached a dynamic sermon. Bro. Loammi Diaz has a way of bringing the word and making you laugh at the same time. Today's sermon was I think the best I have ever heard him preach. I wish he could preach it to the young people for the upcoming North American Youth Congress. The youth of this generation need to hear, "Christ's Cure For Anxiety". I have to buy the CD, because I want to listen to it again. I did take notes, and I will do my best to present it to you. I had tears streaming down my face most of the time, so I don't even know if I will be able to read my hand writing. I will give it to you the best I can. I would encourage you to order the CD if you can from Bethel United Pentecostal Church in Old Westbury, NY. This is life changing and life saving sermon. His main text was taken from Mathew 6:25-34. Jesus says three times in this text to not worry, to not be anxious. He tells us not to worry about what we will eat, drink or what we will wear tomorrow. When Jesus repeats himself that means he is really wanting us to pay close attention. He is emphasizing a point. Why did he tell us to not worry three times? We are predisposed to worry. It's in our nature to be anxious about things going on in our life. Not knowing what tomorrow will bring can cause great stress in our life. We have all these needs and situations. It can be our job, health, family and or finances. Single adults worry if they are ever going to find someone and get married. Worries are normal, but Jesus tells us to not be anxious. So, we ask, why not? Why can't we be anxious about our situation. We have legitimate reasons for why we are having anxiety. They are true and real situations that are taking place in our life. Jesus is glad you asked. Dr. Jesus has an answer to your anxiety. 1. You are a spiritual, eternal being. You are more spiritual than you are natural. You do need food to live and clothing to cover your body, this is true. However you have an eternal soul. There is no need to be anxious about things that are just temporal. The physical things are not going to last. You are a citizen of heaven. You are mind, body, soul and spirit. Eternal things will never pass away. If you are going to be anxious about anything, it's knowing that the God who created you can cast you into hell or send you into heaven. Care more about your soul destination, then what clothes you will wear tomorrow. Not even death can separate you from the love of God. You are a spiritual being. It won't matter 10,000 years from now, so why are you worried about these temporary things? 2.God is a bird feeder. The birds of the air do not need to work for their food. Their Heavenly Father makes sure they will have food to eat. You have more value to God than an animal. If God cares enough about the birds to make sure that they eat, how much more does God care about you? God takes care of the birds. They do not have a choice to worship him, they just do it. You have a choice to worship him and when you do this, he will take care of you. If God feeds the birds, then how much more will he take care of you? When anxiety starts to come, look outside and listen to the birds. They do not worry, they sing. They sing because they know that they will have food to eat. When the anxiety comes, push back by joining the birds in song. Sing praises to your Heavenly Father, knowing the he feeds the birds and he will take care of you too. His eye is on the sparrow and he watches over you too! 3. Worry is absolutely worthless. You can't change your height. When you are doing growing that is it, there is nothing you can do to change it. There are some things that you can not change. Anxiety and worry will not make it better. He then quoted Spurgion and said that "Anxiety doesn't empty tomorrow of it's sorrows, it empties today of it's strength". Worry does not heal your problem, it's worry that kills you instead. Your worry, reveals your lack of faith in God. It reveals who your god really is. What you spend all your time worrying about is what your focus is really on. It's like you say you believe God can do anything and then you decide to worry and instead are saying that God can't do anything for you. We are to forget not, that our Heavenly Father will take care of our every need. He didn't say what you want, but what you need. Sometimes the thing you are praying and fasting for is not good for you. God knows it would not be good for you and will not give it to you. He will give you what you need. Those who are non-followers of Christ, seek after things. We are to seek after Christ first and then all these things will be given to us. 4. You are not an orphan. You have a Heavenly Father who loves you. He knows your name. He knows what you are going through. He knows what you need. Fear not, for your Heavenly Father will take care of you. He will give you food to eat. He will give you clothes. He will be there for you when you need him. You are not alone. He sees you and cares for you. God is good.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Today a good friend of mine came over and taught me how to make Sofrito and Empanda's. I had a blast learning how to make something new. She was an awesome teacher and I have to say, that they tasted pretty good when we were done. While we were cooking, Bob was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with RJ on a Daddy Day. They came home in enough time for RJ and my friend's daughter to have a playdate. I really enjoy days like this. Fellowshipping with a friend and sister in Christ is precious time for me. I hope next time I make them, they come out just as good as when my teacher was with me. I love learning new things and this one was a tasty one to learn. God is good.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Tonight Bro. Ferragamo taught part three of a series he has been teaching. I was away for part two and presently and am not able to share it with you. Tonight's lesson on "The Seven Churches in Revelation", focused on Sardis and Laodicea. In Revelation 3 we read that Sardis is a dead church. The town was known for their loose environment and paganism. The people were very much about pleasure seeking. When Jesus is addressing the church of Sardis, he has nothing good to say to them. They had the name of the church and an outward professing of being Christians, but they were dead inside. They were busy doing works, but it not full of the life of Christ. God tells them to be watchful and turn away from their backslidden heart. He wanted to find their passion again. He wanted quality and didn't care so much about the quantity of what they were doing. He warned them that he would come as thief and they would not know it. Even so, there were a few in the church of Sardis who were faithful and had not become tainted by the world around them. They walked in the light and were found to be worthy in the eyes of Christ. We can always count on what God says. He will not punish the just with the wicked. We must learn from Sardis and be ever watchful. Also, we can not live on past achievements. We need to keep things fresh and new with God on a daily bases. It's important to not defile our garments and to continually yield our life to God. We must not live on cheap grace, grace that comes without a cost. There is not such thing as cheap grace. We can not expect to live and look like the world and still have his grace on our life. We must be set a part. The church of Laodicea was a lukewarm church. They were in a town of great prosperity and they began to feel they did not need to fully rely on God. Due to this, the church was not hot or cold when it came to the things of God. This was disgusting to God and he wanted to spit them out. If they were hot on fire for God, that is perfect. If they are cold and not even believing in God, at least they knew where they stood. Being Lukewarm, meant they were just there and there was no passion in them for God. They had riches in worldly goods, but were spiritually bankrupt. God reached out for them and asks them to repent. He knocks on the doors of their hearts and waits for them to open to him. He will never force someone to follow him. We need to learn from Laodicea. It's more important to place our trust in God and not earthly things. Keep our eyes on Jesus, knowing he is the answer for all things. If we are not careful materialism and riches can cause us to become spiritually blind. If God blesses you, it's important to use it to be a blessings to others. God will always return it in the form of another blessing. God wants us to be Cold or Hot. Don't become so distracted that you become lukewarm and don't even realize it. Keep the center hot. God is good.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

I have come to discover that every time I return to NY after being in a different state, I experience a bit of culture shock. It's even more extreme after coming back from California. I'm sure Jet Lag doesn't help much as well as missing everyone we had to say goodbye to. California life and New York life are extreme opposites. Californians are very relaxed (except for when they drive..road rage)and NYers are always on the move. It's never easy saying goodbye to family and loved ones, especially when the visits are not as much as we would like. RJ is begging his dad to move to California. I don't think that will ever happen. Don't get me wrong, NY has a lot to offer and I am not complaining about living here. Both states have two things in common; major diversity and they are expensive to live in. One huge thing that separates them is how they diversify. Even though it would seem every nation is present in California, they have blended in with each other. When you speak to them, regardless of race they sound the same when they speak and interact with you. They have that California Chill Cool Vibe when they speak. NYers on the other hand are also immigrants. We have people from all over the world here. RJ often refers to it as it's own country. The difference is that they do not lose their distinction. The neighborhoods are very much what their culture is. It's like little pockets of countries all over NY. When they speak, you know what borough they are from and what their ethnicity is. I am not saying one is better than the other, just pointing out the differences. I enjoyed my time on the West Coast and saying goodbye was hard. I love my husband, my church family and those who I have met along the way in my life here in NY. I am here because this is where God has placed me. I am here because this is were my husband is and where he goes, I go. Sometimes the NY life can be a lonely one. I think that is the same for anyone who moves here from a different state. NY is a place of families and cultural units. They stick together and it's something to be admired. However, if you come alone, it can become a sad place to be. One can get lost in a sea of people in NY. Californians tend to blend you right on in and that is the difference between the two states. At least that is how I see it. It could be a different experience to another. I'm glad for this reminder. I have become caught up in the NY life of wife and mom. I need to keep my eyes open for someone who may not have a place to land. We attend a huge church and I am going to do my best to keep an eye out for those who look alone and open my circle to them. I must not lose the gift of being a California girl,and that is to include everyone. I'm thankful for this reminder and need to bring some California way into my NY world. God is good.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

This week in California has flown by. We spent our last day together at Disneyland. Sunday service was spent in attendance at my home church, International Pentecostal Church. Today we said our goodbyes filled with hugs and tears. Now, after a long day of flying, we are finally home. The weather is warmer and a lot of the snow has melted. Pearl is so happy to see her boy home. Bob said she spent most of our time away, hiding under the couch. It's nice to be back home with Bob. I'm glad to see Ross and or course Pearl too. Much thanks to Ross for taking care of the dog, fish and hamster while we were away. Tomorrow is back to our normal routine. We hope to visit our Californian family again soon. For now, we have many wonderful memories and much to be thankful for. Amalia is getting better every day and Mom (Dreama) is a walking miracle. We give thanks for all the Lord has done. God is good.

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Today,we had the pleasure of visiting with Amalia. She was feeling good and was able to make a complete walk around the hospital wing. The nurses were cheering and so were we, because this was a big deal. She was able to eat her favorite pizza as well. Such simple things, yet so big for her. We thank God for every miracle. After we visited Amalia, we took the kids to the Santa Monica Prominade for dinner and to watch the sunset across the Pacific Ocean. It's been a beautiful day. God is good.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Today's adventure took us to San Pedro. We visited the Korean Friendship Bell located on a hill overlooking the ocean. The bell was pretty and the view breathtaking. Due to the location, it's very windy, making it a perfect place to fly a kite. The kids had a blast and we enjoyed flying kites too. Such a wonderful day filled with priceless memories. God is good.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Last night we arrived safe and sound in California after a very long day of flying. We were so happy to see Nana and Poppa at the airport. After a good nights rest we have enjoyed a day of rest and time with family. It's been about two years since RJ has been here to see everyone, so he's soaking up as much time with them as he can. God is good.

Sunday, March 12, 2017

This weekend we were in NJ. We had a nice time with family. I have been keeping a close watch on the upcoming weather because RJ and I have been scheduled to fly to California this coming Tuesday. This morning when I checked with the airline, their web site indicated that they were making changes due to an impending blizzard coming to NY. RJ went to church with his Grandma and I waited on hold for an extended period of time with the airline. Thankfully, and quite wonderfully, they moved our flight from Tuesday to Monday. Yes, tomorrow. We finalized the flight information, and went to church. When we arrived, Bro. Wynn was getting ready to preach. He preached a wonderful sermon on "When Jesus Takes You By The Hand". In order for this to happen, you need to let go of some things and allow him to lead you to wherever he needs to take you. It may be leading you through dark times. Walk one step at a time as Jesus guides you. The most important thing is to let go of what you are holding on to and instead place your hand into the hand of Jesus. After church, we packed up and headed back to NY. RJ and I are packed and ready to go. Tomorrow, we fly to California to see family. Due to the quick change, we have two layovers, please pray that we do not miss any of our flights and that the snow holds off until we make it safely to California. God is good.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Every year RJ's School has World Day. Each grade focuses on a country and then puts together a presentation. This year, RJ's class focused on South Africa. We were very impressed with the detailed work each grade did on their country. RJ was excited to show us his artwork and all the work of his fellow classmates. Days like this make me extremely thankful for the school RJ attends. His education is one of excellence. Bravo to the students for another year of great work. God is good.

Thursday, March 09, 2017

Tonight at Bethel, we started a series on " The Letters To The 7 Churches", being taught by Bro. Joe Ferragamo. I always enjoy his teachings and was not disappointed tonight. These letters are from the book of Revelation. They are to 7 of the churches in Asia Minor (known as Turkey today), but are also relevant to us today. The book of revelation comes from while John was banished to the island of Patmos for preaching and teaching bout Jesus Christ. He was the last living of the original Apostles. John was given instructions to write these letters and send them to the 7 Angels of these churches to be delivered. It is believed what they mean by Angels is to mean the Pastor's of the churches. They were to deliver what was written to them, to the church. These letters are relevant to us today. The reason for it going to only 7 churches is because that is God's perfect number and it means it applies to us today. Tonight's focus was on the letter to the church of Ephesus. It's important that we hear and learn from what is being said. This church was not a bad church. They were in a large city that was known for it's entertainment centers. It was also where they were fervent worshipers of Diana. Revelation 2:1 is the letter to this church and us today. The church of Ephesus was uncompromising and would not err from the teachings of God. They also did not agree with the Nicolaitans for their brining pagan lifestyle and combining it with Christianity. They felt that they could still sin and be covered by the grade of God. This is not true. Grace is not a license to commit sin. We all make mistakes and God's Grace is there to pick us up, but it does not mean you can what you want all the time and never change. The church of Ephesus did great works. However this was not enough. They had left their first love. God was not pleased with their dutiful obedience that didn't come from a heart of love. They had become self-righteous believing they were better because of all they were doing. What they were doing was great and needs to happen, but there must be love behind it. Your relationship with Jesus Christ is much more important than just doing the work. If the love of Jesus is not in you, it will show in how you are in what you are doing and how you treat others. They were given three things to do, to make it right. First they were to remember where Jesus had brought them from. Second they were to repent and change their ways. Thirdly, remember what you did in the beginning. In the beginning they did these things from a heart of love. We learn from all this that it is good to work for the Kingdom of God. We are to do it even if no one recognizes it, for God does see it. We are to uphold and defend God's truth, no matter what the popular thought is as the time. There should be no tolerance to false teachings that do not match up with God's word. We must be careful to not leave our first love. We are to love God first and with all that is in us. Never lose your love and passion for Jesus. Stay close to Jesus and keep him in your day. It was a great start to an awesome series. God is good.

Wednesday, March 08, 2017

Today it would seem, it is National Women's Day. I heard there was a movement for women to drop what they do for the day and let the world see what a day without a women is like. In my opinion, that was not necessary. I see that as sinking sand. Like I said, this is my opinion, you don't have to agree with me. I just ask that you respect it, as I respect yours. If you would have told me 20 years ago that I was going to be a housewife, I would have laughed at you. I was an extremely independent women and there was no way I would ever be domesticated. I would work and make my way. Women are very valuable, the Bible does share this with us. She is priceless and full of wisdom. My husband at one time was a very independent man. He was single for many years and did just fine on his own. Then one day, God brought us together. After years of friendship, we grew in love and married. Now, I wouldn't trade my domesticated married life for the single days, not ever. I know my husband would not want to go back to the single life either. Why? Because after 10 years, he has had times when he had to do with a day without me. I get sick or go out of town and this makes it so I am not doing my daily things. The little things that add up very quickly when I am absent for 24 hours or more. That is why, this morning, I did my usual. I put out my husband's clothing and he helped me make the bed. He took out the trash and I made sure there was food in the refrigerator. Sound like a fairy tale. Some days it does feel that way. There are "those" days when reality is rough, but they are few and far in between. I have to say, the lines today at the grocery store were much shorter. I liked that. Rising up to make a point in a manner of rebellion is sinking sand to me. For those who decided to just stop for the day, you had your right as an American citizen to do so. I just wish you would have considered the courtesy of your employer who depends on you and knows they need you. For all the teachers that left to make a point, you let down your students who already know how much they depend on you. Your world already knows how important you are. If no one is telling you, then I am sorry. I hope one day you will hear what you need to hear to know you have worth. I did not step into the sinking sand today. I continued to walk on a steady path that is laid out before me. I am thankful for this domesticated life. I am thankful to be a wife and a mother. I am thankful that I can help my husband with what he needs at home, work and in ministry. I answer first and foremost to what the Bible calls me to do as a woman. I will stand on the solid rock of God's word and will not walk into sinking sand. I have a voice and it speaks loudly every day as I give my best in all I do. For I know, on the days that I need to be away, my world will feel what it is like when this woman is not around. When I return it will be to happy and open arms. God is good.

Tuesday, March 07, 2017

This stomach bug has really hit us hard. RJ and Ross bounced back pretty quickly. Bob and I are taking a bit longer. Finally, by the end of tonight, it feels like we are finally reaching the surface and getting rid of this bug. Pearl has been the ever devoted Nurse and has gone from one person to the other to offer comfort. She has been an amazing dog. Thankfully, things are stabilizing and hopefully tomorrow, life will be back to normal for all of us. RJ and I need to be back to 100% health because over his break we plan to visit family and of course Amalia in California. So to this bug and all other sicknesses, I rebuke you in Jesus Name and command you to leave my home and anywhere else we might catch it from. God is good.

Sunday, March 05, 2017

Unlike the Love Bug who is welcome in this house, the stomach bug is not. Unfortunately it has visited our home. RJ was the first to get sick and despite my efforts to rid the house of it, it has decided to now hang out with Ross and myself. Thankfully, RJ is feeling much better. I can rejoice in this for two reasons. One, I don't like seeing RJ sick and 2, it only lasted for 24 hours. This causes great hope that by this time tomorrow, the stomach bug will be gone from my home. Due to this bug, I was not able to attend church and missed out on a great sermon by Bro Smith. Thankfully, I can purchase the CD and listen to it later. God is Still good.

Thursday, March 02, 2017

Tonight we had quest speakers. Bro and Sis Tir are Missionaries to Slovakia and Serbia. They have been doing this for some time and it's always good to hear them talk about their travels. It's clear they know what they are doing and are doing a good job of it. Bro. Tir preached from Mathew 24:42-44 with the question," Are You Ready Should Jesus Come?". Jesus is coming soon. Everything is pointing to Jesus' coming for his church. If you have been watching what has been happening all around the world, you will know that we are in the Last Days. We need to give somebody hope. He is coming are you ready? It's time to wake up and be ready. The news of what is happening all around the world can be disheartening. We are to not let our hearts be troubled. We need to make sure we are full of God's spirit and ready for his soon return. We need to be a light of hope to those around us. Get ready, Jesus is coming soon. God is good.

Wednesday, March 01, 2017

It seems we are in an Early Spring. I find it fitting due to recent events. New life is springing forth in the natural and I believe the supernatural. Amalia is doing great and her body is responding well to her new liver. We are all so thankful for this. She has been given a chance at life. Don't take your life for granted. It's a gift. God is good.